Archive for the St. Francis Xavier Cemetery Category

“As we hope for the best in them, hope is reborn in us.” – Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Eunice Mary Kennedy was the middle child of Joe and Rose Kennedy. She was married to U.S. Ambassador to France and one-time Vice-Presidential candidate, Sargent Shriver. From early on, Eunice developed a special relationship with her oldest sister, Rosemary, who was born with an intellectual disability at a time when stigma and lack of care for this population was rampant. Her care for Rosemary and those with similar disabilities became her lifelong calling. When her brother became President of the United States, she used the opportunity to elevate her cause. She founded a number of national and academic programs to help advance research and support options for people with disabilities. This all culminated with her organizing an athletic event in her backyard in 1962. “Camp Shriver” welcomed children with intellectual disabilities to a safe place to play and use sports as a means to grow. The success of Camp Shriver eventually led to the first ever international Special Olympics in 1968. Through her work with the Special Olympics, Shriver impacted the lives of millions of people around the world. Her charitable and foundation work earned her countless awards and a reputation as a consummate humanitarian.

Eunice Shriver died of undisclosed causes just two weeks before her brother, Edward. She was 88.

From Pine St., enter the cemetery and immediately go to the far right (west) road. Take this road to the back of the cemetery and the Shrivers are buried in a prominent plot on your left toward the end of the road.